Luka vs Dallas: A look back at Lakers star's past performances against Mavs
Alta Sports4 months ago · 107 views
Photo: Getty Images
By Joel Reyes
The stage is set for another Luka Doncic revenge game as the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks square off in the NBA Cup on Saturday (PH time) at Crypto.com Arena.
Doncic has been outstanding to start the season, leading the league in scoring to establish himself as one of the frontrunners for the MVP award. There’s no better platform for him to display his MVP credentials than in the game against the Mavericks, the team that controversially traded him earlier this year.
However, this isn’t the first time that Doncic will face the Mavs in his NBA career. In this special feature, we look back at his previous performances against Dallas ahead of the much-anticipated clash in LA.
Photo: Getty Images
Doncic posts triple-double in first career game vs Mavs
All eyes were on Luka Doncic as he played his first-ever game against the Dallas Mavericks last February at Crypto.com Arena. The showdown took place just three weeks after then-Dallas GM Nico Harrison decided to trade Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris to Los Angeles in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and the Lakers’ 2029 first-round draft pick.
That evening, Doncic reminded the Mavs what they were missing, posting a triple-double in the Lakers’ 107-99 victory. He sent LA fans into a frenzy, scoring 19 points, grabbing 15 rebounds, and issuing 12 assists to secure his first-ever triple-double in a Lakers uniform.
Doncic made history in the opening half of that contest, becoming the first player ever to record at least 12 points, 12 boards, 7 dimes, 2 steals, and 2 blocks in a half since play-by-play tracking began in 1996.
Doncic scores 45 in emotional return to Dallas
Emotions ran high when Luka Doncic traveled to Dallas to face the Mavericks in April, as it was the first time in his career that he stepped on the court at American Airlines Center as a visiting player.
Doncic wiped away tears during player introductions after he was honored by his former team with a long tribute video. Once the game started, the five-time All-Star showed the world why Dallas made a huge blunder in trading him.
Doncic helped the Lakers clinch a playoff spot, scoring a game-high 45 points in Los Angeles’ 112-97 win. He was efficient on the offensive end, shooting 16-for-28 from the floor, including 7-for-10 from the 3-point area.
He also contributed in other departments, racking up 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals in 38 minutes of action.
With how Doncic has been playing this season, do not be surprised if he gives the Mavs his deadliest blow yet in all of their matchups.
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